You guys are just blowing me away with your response to this Lenten Series on the Podcast where we are digging through the Vices we all face. So far we've talked about Anger, Envy and Lust, and although I am flattered, and want to give myself a big 'ol pat on the back, I really shouldn't!
All of the wisdom I am sharing here comes directly from the great Venerable Fulton Sheen and his incredible book, Victory Over Vice. Fulton Sheen in AMAZING! So check it that book, or any of the incredible books Fulton Sheen left behind for us.
And another reason why I shouldn't take too much credit for this series--Pride. And Pride is the vice we dissect in today's episode.
As defined by Fulton Sheen, pride is "an exaggerated love of one's own excellence, either of body or mind or the unlawful pleasure we derive from thinking we have no superiors."
Pride can manifest itself in many ways including Atheism (or practical Atheism, which I discuss in depth), intellectual vanity, superficiality, snobbery or the unwillingness to see our own faults.
The problem with pride is that it is a lie. It is the lie that there is nothing better, or nothing beyond, me. Pride is self-love gone crazy. However, most likely, at some point we will be confronted with our own failings and weaknesses, and the lie of pride will fall apart, leaving us with no foundation to stand upon. Therefore, pride often leads to despair.
In contrast, Christ was humble in birth, occupation, and death. And his humility lead to our redemption.
The words from the cross that guide our lessons today are, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?", words that really demonstrate how humbled and low Christ was while on the cross.
The lessons on the topic of pride include:
Glory not in yourself, for God resists the proud. Glory in humility, for humility is truth and the path to true greatness.The sin of pride kills gratitude. The virtue of humility leads to truth and allows for God to do His great work in us. For, it is only when we empty ourselves out that God is able to fill us back up and use of for His holy work.
So much more goodness in the episode. Head over and have a listen!
Next week we are talking about Gluttony. See you then!
Your sister in Christ,
